Honey and I are in school! We started obedience class three weeks ago. Because she was spayed, we had to miss the first week of class. We were a little behind but she is doing a great job catching up. I think she really likes practicing, every time I grab the leash and collar, she comes running with excitement!

We are told to watch the advanced class during our half hour break. Look at Honey and her friend Stella paying close attention with dreams of being of well behaved doggies.

Stella and Honey

For the last four summers, either Travis or I has been on the P.U.P. (physically unable to perform) list. Three years ago, he had shoulder surgery and was in a sling. Two years ago, I fell off my bike and was in a knee mobilizer. Last year I had a rib removed and vein surgery and wore a sling for two months. Now, Travis, with his slit thumb is bandaged almost to the elbow. Next year, we are going to do our best so we can enjoy the summer without any interruptions!

Along with being tied up for the last few summers, we have not made it up north to the Iron Range for the 4th of July. Travis is from Gilbert, and the 4th of July celebration is something hard to explain but something you just need to see. Thousands of people come from adjoining cities and out of town to partake in the parades, street dances, fireworks, and follow the Eveleth Clown Band from bar to bar. Everyone sings along to polka songs like “Roll Out the Barrel”, “When the Saints Go Marching In”, “Just Because”, and a few others.

4th of July

It was great to feel well enough to finally make the trip. We had gone up every year until I wasn’t feeling well enough before my transplant. I was thrilled to see another friend who appreciated being there just as much as me. I ran into my fellow double lung transplant recipient, Richard! I have talked about him before. He is our good friend’s dad.

Both of us were excited to celebrate Independence Day for more than one reason. Obviously the first is the birth of our country. We also celebrated the “independence” that we both now have regained. But mostly, we celebrated “independence” from our oxygen tanks and tubes from the gift of life with new lungs!

Richard and me celebrating independence

I saw an opportunity to reach out to a large group of people to discuss organ donation and transplantation, so I took advantage! I set a table out at the Gilbert parade and handed out bracelets and brochures opening up some great conversations about the gift of life. I had people come up and thank me for the awareness because they either had a loved one that received life saving organs or knew someone that had donated.

Our friend Ben (his dad is Richard), me, Travis, and Ben’s son Charlie with a thumbs up for organ donation

On the 4th, after we joined in the parade fun, we drove back home. From there, we went next door to our neighbors. They put on the most amazing fireworks show. The kids were zipping around like fireflies with the endless supply of sparklers. The repetitive chorus of “ooh” and “aah” followed each of the dozens of rocket reports.

This last weekend, Lauren, got back into town. She was in Arizona for the last month with her dad. We had so much fun with her as she spent the weekend at our house. We went for a boat ride, made s’mores by the campfire, and swam in the lake. Another first for me. I couldn’t swim last year due to to my surgeries. In fact, this was the first time I was able to swim in the lake in about 10 years!!

Me & Lauren swimming

Another first, Honey learned to swim! I can’t say it didn’t come with quite a few bruises. She was terrified at first and kept trying to jump out of my arms. The scratches and bruises paid off though. It got to a point where she didn’t want to get out of the water. I’m glad we have a water dog!

Honey swimming